Used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale near Illinois

Compare 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Trims

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more feature-rich models, all with efficient FWD performance.

• Starting at $7,725
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Most Popular: LS FWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Limited LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

• Avg. market price: $8,732 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 21 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LS FWD listings

LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded vehicle with modern tech features without breaking the bank. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $9,746 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 1,421 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS FWD listings

LS Fleet FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS Fleet FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a practical vehicle with a good mix of features at a competitive price. It offers similar features to the LS FWD.

• Avg. market price: $9,489 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 1,054 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

Limited LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a touch of luxury with leather seats without a hefty price tag. It's a great option for those seeking comfort.

• Avg. market price: $7,725 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 67 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LT FWD listings

1LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The 1LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of style and technology without going overboard on price. It offers a good range of features.

• Avg. market price: $9,970 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 775 listings
• View 1LT FWD listings

Limited LTZ FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LTZ FWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features at a competitive price. It combines luxury with practicality.

• Avg. market price: $8,953 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 20 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LTZ FWD listings

2LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The 2LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier performance with added features. It's a solid choice for those who value both style and function.

• Avg. market price: $11,072 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 234 listings
• View 2LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is the pick for shoppers who want the most features and luxury in the Malibu lineup. It's fully loaded with all the tech.

• Avg. market price: $12,077 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 256 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LS FWD

With 1,421 active listings, the LS FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LS FWD listings

Best Budget Option — Limited LT FWD

At $7,725 avg market price — below the lineup median of $9,617 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Limited LT FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS FWD

The LS FWD offers excellent fuel efficiency at 27 MPG city / 37 MPG highway.

Browse LS FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 7.22% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,469 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu earns a 4.33/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Drivers repeatedly praise the smooth ride, modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the strong fuel economy. The overview also points to comfort, efficiency, and a more spacious interior as the main reasons this model year stands out. That makes it a sensible pick if you want a midsize sedan that leans toward everyday comfort and convenience rather than excitement.

27.2% of listings are marked as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The user feedback points to a car that many owners find dependable enough for daily use, with praise for its smooth ride, strong performance, and fuel economy. The expert commentary also emphasizes that the redesign brought the Malibu into a more competitive, modern place, which supports the sense that it’s a car you can count on for regular commuting and family duty. Chevrolet’s maintenance coverage language also suggests a small ownership perk early on.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that some owners have raised concerns about build quality and acceleration, so condition and maintenance history matter.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

At 52.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a careful pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or multiple owners. Focus on signs of uneven panel gaps, interior wear, and any evidence that the car’s tech or safety systems were repaired after a collision. Because this model year leans heavily on modern features, you’ll also want to make sure the infotainment and driver-assistance equipment work as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base L trim includes keyless entry and ignition, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, cruise control, air conditioning, and 16-inch steel wheels. The LS adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, 4G connectivity, the MyLink infotainment system, a rear-view camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, so it’s the better starting point if you want the core tech features.
• Powertrain: The Malibu offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic. The smaller engine is tuned for efficiency, while the larger one brings much stronger acceleration and quicker passing power.
• Safety package: Two Driver Confidence packages add automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure intervention, forward-collision intervention, and a self-parking system. Some of those features are not standard, so trim and package content matter.
• Infotainment: The Malibu uses a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch touchscreen on the Premier trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and wireless smartphone charging is available on higher trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.5-liter engine returns 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined, while the 2.0-liter turbo returns 22/33/26.

Which 2016 Chevrolet Malibu trim should I buy?

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in 5 trim levels: L, LS, 1LT, 2LT, Premier.

Here's the short version:

• L: This is the most basic version, with the essentials but fewer convenience and tech features than the higher trims. It makes sense only if you’re shopping strictly on price.
• LS: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, the rear-view camera, the 7-inch touchscreen, 4G connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
• 1LT: This trim adds a more upscale feel with LED running lights, heated mirrors, an 8-way power driver’s seat, satellite radio, rear ventilation, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
• 2LT: This is the better choice if you want the stronger 2.0-liter engine, the 8-speed automatic, dual exhaust tips, and 18-inch wheels.
• Premier: This is the most luxurious version, with leather, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory settings, remote start, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, wireless charging, navigation, a Bose stereo, and an 8-inch touchscreen.

The safety packages add meaningful driver-assistance features, so look closely at whether a given car has the Driver Confidence equipment you want.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 27.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,469 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.22% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,505, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu's resale value?

The current average of $9,718 sits slightly below last year's $10,474.

That decline suggests the Malibu has become more affordable for buyers, which can help demand in the near term. For a future seller, the softer pricing means you may need to be more competitive if you want to stand out. On the other hand, a lower entry price can also make the car easier to move if it remains in good condition and well equipped.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu safe?

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a four-star rollover rating.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, dual front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and OnStar with automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote door-lock access, and stolen-vehicle assistance and recovery. The available Driver Confidence packages add automatic headlights, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure intervention, forward-collision intervention, and self-parking capability.

Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 27.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.22% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The redesign brings stronger engines, more space, and major tech and safety upgrades.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,982, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,718 average.
• It further refines the redesign into a stronger all-around package.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the smarter buy because it already delivers the redesigned Malibu’s core strengths at a lower price. If you’re willing to spend more for a slightly newer example, the 2017 is the cleaner follow-up choice, but price-sensitive shoppers should focus on the 2016 and look for a well-kept, well-equipped car.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.